Sustainable Construction
- Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling
- Sample Contract Language & Worksheets
- Project Reporting
- Case Studies
- Links
Why Recycle Construction & Demolition Debris?
Construction & Demolition (C&D) debris constitutes approximately 40% of land-fill destined waste stream in the United States. Made up of wood, concrete, metal, drywall, carpet, brick, glass, asphalt, etc., this debris stream is heavy, high-volume and the costs associated with transportation and disposal comprise a significant portion of the demolition or construction contract. As many of these materials are recyclable, in most cases projects that recycle C&D debris can be cost neutral or realize a savings on their contracts. Projects are also safer as recycling promotes a cleaner, more organized, and therefore safer job site.
Recycling C&D debris has impacts beyond the project. Recycling the material helps to protect the environment and conserve resources by reducing the need to extract virgin materials and their associated product, including saving energy during extraction and manufacturing. It also extends the life expectancy of regional landfills and supports local businesses involved in recovery and recycling.
Potential Impact for the University System of Georgia
As of 2005, the University System of Georgia owned 3,169 buildings totaling an approximate of 81.4 million square feet 1. Of this inventory, approximately 25% of the buildings across the USG are 50 years or older 2. Meanwhile, enrollment at 35 institutions of the University System has grown by 12.9 percent over the past five years. This growth and the Capital Model Recommendation estimate construction, renovation, and demolition funding in the amount of $1.7 trillion over the next 5 years. This volume of new construction and major repair and renovation constitutes a tremendous opportunity for construction & demolition recycling economies of scale.
The University System of Georgia is primed to take advantage of the cost savings and environmental stewardship associated with recycling C&D debris. To do so, the USG is encouraging its facility managers and contractors to incorporate C&D recycling within their projects on their individual campuses. This website operates as a resource for facility managers, architects, and campus planners to overcome real and perceived barriers to C&D recycling and facilitate recycling in all of their capital projects.
We invite you to use the resources from this web page and other links to simplify the process for C&D recycling on your campuses. These resources include:
- how to get started with recycling your C&D material
- how to share your results with the USG and other institutions
- how to learn more about best practices
- helpful links
- Facilities Inventory Reporting System
- Building and Room Inventory Reports, Office of Vice Chancellor for Facilities